Multi-cam based formatted online information sharing systems and methods that provide real-time interpersonal communication are described.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A multi-webcam based question-and-answer formatted online information sharing method, comprising the steps of: a first webcam user providing input to a programmed computing device via one or more input devices, wherein the computing device comprises a processor, a display device, one or more input devices, a webcam and microphone, and non-transitory memory containing instructions that, when executed, cause the computing device to perform the steps of: registering the user on a website hosted by a web server to participate in a multi-webcam based question-and-answer formatted online information sharing session; logging the user into the website; configuring the user's webcam and microphone; selecting a multi-webcam based question-and-answer formatted online information sharing session for the user to enter; entering the user in the selected formatted information sharing session, said user automatically placed in one of two teams; displaying a graphical user interface on display device of the computing device said graphical user interface comprising a game page having real-time audio and visual images of the webcam user sourced from the webcam and microphone of the webcam user as well as audio and visual images of every other webcam user entered in the online information sharing session, sourced from each webcam user's respective webcam and microphone, a game message area displaying information sharing session instructions, questions, answers, and/or information, provided by a database server and a chat message area for displaying written messages between webcam users; indicating the webcam user is ready to participate real-time in the session; and participating real-time in the selected formatted information sharing session displayed on the game page with real-time visual and audio communication with computing devices of other webcam users entered in the session provided by a streaming server; wherein at least one other webcam user provides input to another programmed computing device, which logs the user into the website; enters the user into the information sharing session, said user automatically placed in the other team; displays the game page; indicates the user as ready to participate real-time 6 pin the information sharing session; and participates in the selected formatted information sharing session with said streaming server providing real-time visual and audio communication between computing devices of webcam users on the game page; wherein the selected formatted information sharing session: is competitive, includes 2-6 webcam users in total, sorted into 2 teams, and is formatted on the game page like a game show but without a live game show host; and wherein during the information sharing session: (i.) the game message area displays a question from the database server and the game pane specifies the computing device of one webcam user to answer the question and then (ii.) the game message area displays the answer provided by the computing device of the specified webcam user, indicates the answer as correct or incorrect via input from the database server, displays the correct answer, and awards one or more points to the computing device of the answering webcam user and/or of said user's team for a correct answer; with the game page displaying real-time visual audio discussion of the question and/or answer between the webcam users; wherein throughout the information sharing session method; the database server stores and retrieves questions answers, and session specific information, the web server retrieves information from the database server and sends questions and answers to the programmed computing device, and the streaming server provides visual and audio communication between the webcam users.
A multi-user online question and answer system simulates a game show using webcams. Users log in to a website and are automatically assigned to one of two teams. A game page displays live audio and video feeds from all participants' webcams, a game message area for instructions and questions, and a chat area. The system displays questions retrieved from a database. One user is selected to answer, and the system displays the answer and indicates whether it's correct. Points are awarded accordingly. Participants can discuss the questions and answers in real-time, with audio and video communication handled by a streaming server. The database server stores questions and answers. The web server retrieves and sends questions.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said session includes at least 1 spectator, and said spectator may communicate with webcam user participants and/or other spectators in the chat message area.
The online question and answer system described in Claim 1 also allows spectators to join a session. These spectators can communicate with the webcam user participants and other spectators using the chat message area on the game page. Spectators view the game in real-time but do not answer questions or accumulate points.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein each webcam user participating in the session answers 1-3 questions, a score is calculated for each team, and a winning team identified.
In the online question and answer system described in Claim 1, each webcam user answers 1 to 3 questions during a session. After all questions are answered, the system calculates a score for each team. The team with the highest score is identified as the winning team. This scoring mechanism determines the outcome of the competitive question-and-answer session formatted as a game show.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein during the multi-cam based question-and-answer formatted online information sharing session, multi-cam users compete to determine who knows more about the opposite sex.
The online question and answer system described in Claim 1 focuses on a specific topic: knowledge about the opposite sex. Webcam users compete against each other to demonstrate their understanding and awareness of topics related to gender and relationships, as posed by questions retrieved from the database server.
5. The method of claim 1 , said game page further comprising a voting menu allowing webcam users participating in the information sharing session to kick out a webcam user from the session, if at least 4 webcam users vote for it.
The online question and answer system described in Claim 1 includes a voting mechanism. The game page features a voting menu that allows webcam users participating in the information sharing session to initiate a vote to kick another user out of the session. If at least four webcam users vote to remove a user, that user is removed from the session.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein said streaming server is adapted to provide communication between the webcam users via a peer-to-peer connection.
In the online question and answer system described in Claim 5, the streaming server facilitates communication between the webcam users using a peer-to-peer connection. Instead of relaying all audio and video streams through a central server, the peer-to-peer connection allows direct communication between users' computers, potentially reducing latency and server load.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein said two teams are based on gender, and each webcam user participating in the information sharing session is automatically placed into an open position on a team of his/her gender.
In the online question and answer system described in Claim 6, the two teams are based on gender. When a webcam user joins a session, they are automatically assigned to a team corresponding to their gender. Each team has open positions, and users are placed into those positions based on gender identification.
8. The method of claim 5 , said information sharing session further comprising a spectator that provides input to a programmed computing device having one or more input devices and that displays the game page.
The online question and answer system described in Claim 5 includes a spectator role. The spectator uses a computing device with input devices and a display. The display presents the game page, allowing the spectator to view the session and use input devices to send communication to the participants, such as messages in the chat area.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising an appreciation icon that may 6 pbe attached to a webcam user's video image on the game page via input from the computing device of the spectator.
In the online question and answer system described in Claim 8, a spectator can attach an "appreciation icon" to a webcam user's video image on the game page. The spectator uses their computing device to select and apply this icon, adding a visual element to the display.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein said appreciation icon represents a wink, applause, laughing out loud, or a rose.
The appreciation icon, as described in Claim 9, can represent various expressions of sentiment. Specific examples of icons include a wink, applause, laughing out loud emoji, or a rose image. The spectator can select one of these icons to display on a webcam user's video feed.
11. The method of, claim 1 , wherein the information sharing session presents 6 rounds to the webcam users, each round displaying 6 questions.
In the online question and answer system described in Claim 1, the information sharing session is structured into 6 rounds. Each round presents 6 questions to the webcam users. This fixed structure dictates the pace of the game and the number of opportunities for participants to answer questions and score points.
12. A multi-webcam based question-and-answer formatted online information sharing system, comprising: a website hosted by a web server and provided via a graphical user interface displayed on a computing device of a webcam user, wherein the computing device comprises a processor, a display device, one or more input devices, a webcam and microphone, and non-transitory memory containing instructions that, when executed, cause the computing device to: log in the user for a. multi -webcam based question-and-answer formatted online information sharing session; display the graphical user interface comprising a game page having real-time audio and visual images sourced from at least two internet connected webcams and microphones of at least two users being logged in to the website, and entered in an information sharing session, said game page further comprising a game message area displaying information sharing session instructions questions, answers, and/or information, provided by a database server, and a chat message area for displaying written messages between webcam users; display a question in the game message area and specify the computing device of one webcam user to input an answer to the question; and then receiving the answer display the answer and award points for a correct answer; said system further comprising a database server configured to store and retrieve questions, answers and other information sharing session specific information; the web server configured for retrieving information from the database server and sending questions and answers to the at least one computing device of the user; a streaming server adapted to provide communication between the users; wherein said website, web cams, microphones, question-and-answer tool, database server, web server, and streaming server interact to provide the multi-webcam based question-and-answer formatted online information sharing session displayed at the game nap of the at least one computing device; and wherein the selected formatted information sharing session is competitive and arranged as a game show, without a show host, wherein the selected formatted information sharing session: is competitive and has 2-6 webcam users in total, and is formatted on the game page like a game show, without a live game show host.
A system for online multi-user question and answer sessions resembling a game show. Users log into a website via a computer with a webcam and microphone. The game page displays live video feeds from participants, a game message area for questions from a database server, and a chat area. The system displays questions, selects a user to answer, and awards points for correct answers. A database server stores questions and answers. A web server retrieves questions. A streaming server enables communication between users. The system facilitates a competitive game show-like session for 2-6 webcam users. There is no live host.
13. The system of claim 12 , wherein said streaming server is adapted to provide communication between the users via a peer-to-peer connection.
In the online question and answer system described in Claim 12, the streaming server facilitates communication between the users using a peer-to-peer connection. Instead of relaying all audio and video streams through a central server, the peer-to-peer connection allows direct communication between users' computers, potentially reducing latency and server load.
14. The system of claim 12 , wherein the question-and-answer tool provides a question about the male and/or female sex.
In the online question and answer system described in Claim 12, the questions presented by the question-and-answer tool specifically relate to the male and/or female sex. The question bank includes questions designed to test users' knowledge and understanding of topics related to gender.
15. The system of claim 12 , the game page further comprising a voting menu allowing webcam users participating in the information sharing session to kick out a webcam user from the session.
In the online question and answer system described in Claim 12, the game page has a voting menu allowing webcam users to kick out another user. This provides a mechanism for users to remove disruptive or inappropriate individuals from the session.
16. The system of claim 15 , wherein said streaming server is adapted to provide communication between the webcam users via a peer-to-peer connection.
In the online question and answer system described in Claim 15, the streaming server facilitates communication between the webcam users using a peer-to-peer connection. Instead of relaying all audio and video streams through a central server, the peer-to-peer connection allows direct communication between users' computers, potentially reducing latency and server load.
17. The system of claim 16 , wherein said two teams are based on gender, and each webcam user participating in the information sharing session is automatically placed into an open position on a team of his/her gender.
In the online question and answer system described in Claim 16, the two teams are based on gender. When a webcam user joins a session, they are automatically assigned to a team corresponding to their gender. Each team has open positions, and users are placed into those positions based on gender identification.
18. The system of claim 15 , said information sharing session further comprising a spectator that provides input to a programmed computing device having one or more input devices and that displays the game page.
The online question and answer system described in Claim 15 includes a spectator role. The spectator uses a computing device with input devices and a display. The display presents the game page, allowing the spectator to view the session and use input devices to send communication to the participants, such as messages in the chat area.
19. The system of claim 18 , further comprising an appreciation icon that may be attached to a webcam user's video image on the game page.
In the online question and answer system described in Claim 18, a spectator can attach an "appreciation icon" to a webcam user's video image on the game page. This allows the spectator to provide positive feedback or reactions to a particular user's performance or comments during the session.
20. The system of claim 19 , wherein said appreciation icon represents a wink, applause, laughing out loud, or a rose.
The appreciation icon, as described in Claim 19, can represent various expressions of sentiment. Specific examples of icons include a wink, applause, laughing out loud emoji, or a rose image. The spectator can select one of these icons to display on a webcam user's video feed.
21. The system of claim 12 , wherein the information sharing session presents 6 rounds to the webcam users, each round displaying 6 questions.
In the online question and answer system described in Claim 12, the information sharing session is structured into 6 rounds. Each round presents 6 questions to the webcam users. This fixed structure dictates the pace of the game and the number of opportunities for participants to answer questions and score points.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
June 11, 2012
May 2, 2017
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